Editorial: County residents need to check out what library hype is about

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Congratulations to Judge Mike Bradford, the other county commissioners and Library Director John Trischitti for constructing a Centennial branch library all residents should be proud of.

After getting a first glimpse, we have seen a library that not only will live up to the hype but will provide a family-friendly facility that will change the expectations Midlanders have about what a library is. However, it’s not only about the new technology, the new design and the extras that will change attitudes. We expect the location off Loop 250 will provide more Midlanders additional opportunities to take advantage of the $8 million investment county officials put into this facility.

Libraries face a challenge in the future. How do they stay relevant when the Internet has changed how people do research and collect information? The answer, it appears, is change the library’s focus from being an information provider to a “gymnasium for the mind,” as Midland County Public Library Foundation President Andy Shaffer described it. We believe at first glance that our library officials are up to the challenge.

As with other facilities that have changed Midland for the better — the newer airport terminal, the Scharbauer Sports Complex, the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center and the Scharbauer Hospital Tower, to name a few — Midland County has a responsibility to keep that new-facility feel. Again, we believe Trischitti and county leaders are up to the challenge.

There are other questions to ask, including what does the future hold for the downtown branch? We will expect answers, but this past weekend was about new beginnings. We thank former first lady Laura Bush, the most famous librarian of them all, for returning to Midland and adding that touch of grace only she can offer.

We also thank retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks for his appearance. We are proud that the “American Soldier” also once called Midland home. His display is another valuable asset. Both Franks and Bush made Saturday’s opener that much more special and uniquely Midland.

Lastly, we hope all residents of Midland County will take the time to visit Midland’s newest treasure.

Whether you are looking for a different place to take your child, wanting to see the renown genealogy room or just wanting to see what all the hype is, go check it out.

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MCPL Centennial branch hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The MCPL downtown branch will be closed until May 1 as it is converted into a one-story library.